Prime Minister Andrew Holness embarked Monday on a four-day trip to India, the first-ever bilateral visit of a Jamaican prime minister to the South Asian country.

Holness announced the trip on X while en route to the destination.

“Jamaica and India have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1962. Our two countries have cooperated in several areas, including education and training, science and technology, business, and infrastructure development. I look forward to discussions with Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) as we seek to expand and deepen our cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” Holness wrote.

According to the Hindustan Times, Holness will meet with Modi on Tuesday following which they are expected finalise agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas.

It reported that the country’s Ministry of External Affairs said Holness’s visit is expected to bolster bilateral relations, enhance economic cooperation, and solidify the longstanding bonds between the two countries.

Among those accompanying Holness on the visit are Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith; Indian-born Jamaican businessman Kenny Benjamin; and former West Indies and Jamaica cricketer Chris Gayle, who enjoys immense popularity in India.